Nanomaterials are exciting as they pave the way for the development of nanotechnology. With this goal several interesting and innovative ideas have been developed by using carbon nanotubes. At the nanosize the reactivity of materials are substantially altered. Carbon nanotubes provide the driving force for our understanding of a) nanocatalysis b) stabilization of atomized iron c) development of microsensors and d) efficient power sources. A few examples of the above categories will be illustrated. Nanodimensional reactions of amines are examples of nanocatalysis that results in high yield of a single product; this has led to the postulate of new synthetic machines that are currently being explored. Column configuration of carbon nanotubes and polyaniline nanotubes is efficient for the desired conversions Differences are seen between the two types of nanotubes for the organic conversions. Atomized iron interaction with carbon nanotubes is unique in that it results in spintronics effect. A metal incorporated into a nanostructure provides a higher catalysis for fuel cells.

Conducting polymers in nanostructured environments provide an opportunity to develop chemical sensors with selectivity and a rationale. Using this approach, microsensors with a diameter of 0.78 mm2 have been developed for halogenated methanes for environmental applications and detection of gases at an ambient temperature. Spintronics based chemical sensors are attractive as they would allow high temperature operation.